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Durell Vineyard

Unique Characteristics

Located in the southwestern hills of Sonoma Valley, the Durell Vineyard stretches across three separate and overlapping appellations: Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Valley and a small corner of Carneros.

This unique area enjoys the best characteristics of each appellation—the cooling effect of San Pablo Bay to the South, the afternoon winds generated from the Pacific to the West, and the warmth of the Sonoma Valley to the North. The vineyard’s sloping hills, rocky clay loam soils and low-vigor vines help keep yields low—three tons per acre on average—while its clonal diversity ensures great complexity.

We grow predominantly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The wines from Durell are beloved for being rich, elegant, and full-bodied, and is exemplified in Dunstan Wines.

Ranch House Block

DUNSTAN Wines began in 2005 with the planting of the 8 1/2 acre Ranch House Block surrounding our home at Durell Vineyard.

Located at the southern end of the vineyard on an east-facing slope, this site has cool coastal fog in the morning that gives way to warm, breezy afternoons. The well-drained, gravelly soil is more densely planted than other areas of the vineyard which means smaller, more concentrated berries with lots of varietal character.

Our inaugural vintage of DUNSTAN is 2008. The wines are lush and full-bodied, balanced and refined, showcasing the best qualities of Durell.